“There’s No Reason to Doubt” — Sibisi Refuses to Give Up on Pirates’ Title Dream After Durban City Frustration

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi insists the Betway Premiership title race is far from over despite the Buccaneers suffering a major setback in Saturday’s goalless draw against Durban City FC at the Orlando Stadium.

Pirates missed a golden opportunity to take control of the title race after being held to a frustrating 0–0 result in front of their home supporters. A victory would have lifted the Soweto giants level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns and placed them at the top of the table on goal difference heading into the final round of fixtures.

Pirates occupy the second spot on the log standings with 66 points after 29 matches.

With Sundowns having already completed their league campaign, Pirates knew three points would have put the destiny of the Betway Premiership trophy firmly in their own hands.

Instead, the Buccaneers now head into the final weekend of the season trailing the defending champions by two points.

Despite the disappointment, Sibisi remains confident that Pirates still have a chance to finish the campaign on a high.

Speaking to Pirates media after the match, the defender praised the effort shown by his teammates and urged supporters not to lose belief.

“There’s no reason to doubt,” Sibisi said.

“I think the performance today showed that we wanted to win. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for us. But we go back, keep working and focus on the final game.”

The Pirates skipper acknowledged the frustration of failing to secure maximum points in their final home fixture of the season but insisted the team could not be accused of lacking commitment.

“We would have loved to end the season at home with three points,” he added. “The boys kept pushing until the very last whistle. It’s unfortunate for us, but we take the point and move.”

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi insists the Betway Premiership title race is far from over (Image: Orlando Pirates)

While Pirates dominated possession and searched relentlessly for a breakthrough, Durban City produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate the title challengers.

The visitors’ resilience denied Pirates what could prove to be one of the defining victories of the season, leaving the title race delicately poised heading into the closing stages of the campaign.

Pirates now turn their attention to their final league assignment against Orbit College, knowing they need to lift the league title.

After a season filled with momentum swings, drama and pressure at the top of the table, Sibisi’s message is clear: Orlando Pirates are refusing to surrender the title race without a fight.